Jimena Ortiz

Global Health & Psychology

My passion for medicine is fueled by my personal experiences and a strong desire to serve underrepresented communities. As a first-generation student, I have firsthand witnessed the shortcomings of our healthcare system. This has led me to develop an interest in global health and psychology, driven by a fundamental belief that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare, regardless of their background or geographic location.
   
After high school, I took a gap year in Belgium to immerse myself in a new culture, learn French, and observe how healthcare systems differ around the world. This experience deepened my understanding of how healthcare can be structured more equitably, and it inspired me to think critically about the gaps in the U.S. system. Locally, my volunteer work at the Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministry, a clinic that serves uninsured and underserved individuals, opened my eyes to the urgent healthcare disparities in my own community. It also strengthened my commitment to advocating for universal healthcare and improving health outcomes for all.
   
Through the MAHEC Medical Mentoring Program, I gained hands-on shadowing experience across various specialties, including cardiology, family medicine, women’s health, and emergency medicine. This program broadened my perspective on the medical field and revealed the systemic barriers that prevent many individuals in Western North Carolina from receiving the care they need.
   
I aspire to become a pediatrician with a global focus. Caring for children, learning new languages, and exploring diverse approaches to medicine around the world. I believe that by studying other healthcare models, we can reimagine our own system to be more effective, inclusive, and compassionate. I’m especially interested in how environmental factors impact health outcomes in children, as they are both our most vulnerable and our most promising population.
   
Outside of academics, I find great joy in traveling, reading, and exploring new experiences. These interests continue to shape my perspective on the world and inspire me to become a culturally sensitive and community-oriented physician.